In a rare and controversial operation, Israeli undercover agents, some posing as medical staff, carried out a raid on Ibn Sina Hospital in the West Bank city of Jenin, resulting in the fatal shooting of three Palestinian militants.
This marks the first such operation in eight years.
The Israeli military asserted that the incursion was aimed at targeting a "Hamas terrorist cell" within the hospital premises.
However, the Palestinian health ministry emphasised that healthcare facilities are granted special protection under international law.
Hospital director Naji Nazzal revealed that Israeli forces entered the facility undercover, employing weapons with silencers to assassinate the individuals. Disturbing footage circulated on social media, allegedly from the hospital's CCTV system, showed armed individuals, disguised as medical staff or civilians, navigating the hospital's corridors, reported AFP.
The Palestinian foreign ministry condemned the incident, labelling it a "crime against humanity."
The Palestinian health ministry urgently called on international bodies and human rights organisations to address what they termed "crimes committed by the occupation [Israel] against our people and health centres."
The Israeli army claimed that the three Palestinians killed were terrorists hiding in the hospital. The deceased were identified as Muhammad Jalamnah, Muhammad Ayman Ghazawi, and Basel Ayman Ghazawi. While the Ghazawi brothers were associated with the Islamic Jihad militant group, Hamas identified Jalamnah as a "commander" in its armed wing.
The Israeli army alleged that Jalamnah was involved in "significant terrorist activity" and was planning an imminent attack, using the hospital as a hiding place. Weapons were reportedly found on the bodies of the Ghazawi brothers during their funeral procession.
The incident has stirred controversy and condemnation, with concerns raised about the violation of international law protecting medical facilities and the safety of civilians during military operations.